On June 1-4, 2021, a 4-day training entitled The Basic Research Methods Training was conducted via Zoom attended and conducted by the member institutions of Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium. It aims to provide basic knowledge and skills in health research methodologies to researchers. Furthermore, it aims to generate more research project proposals aligned with the 2017-2022 Regional Unified Health Research Agenda (RUHRA).
On its first day, the training kicked off with a prayer and the singing of the National Anthem lead by Ms. April Rose Amor, an EVHRDC staff. Then everyone was welcomed with the opening speech from the OIC Regional Director of DOH-EV CHD, Dr. Exuperia B. Sabalberino. After which, Dr. Virgilio Sabalo, the EVHRDC CBC Chair explained the need for this training while Mr. Raymond Campo, an EVHRDC Staff, presented the DOST 6Ps and the updated 2017-2022 RUHRA. The training then commenced with the sequence: Engr. Michael Manguerra from De La Salle University talked about the opportunities and challenges of Biomedical Engineering, Mr. Leonido Olobia presented the sub-module entitled “Overview of the Reasearch Process” which tackled about the characteristics of the research process, and Dr. Willard N. Riveral from Biliran Province State University presented the sub-module entitled “Defining the Research Problem” after lunch break. At 2:30 in the afternoon, the Question and Answer session took place before Workshop 1 and day 1 of the training ended by 5pm.
The second day of the 4-day training started with a prayer and housekeeping rules setting by Ms. Amor. And so, sub-module 3 entitled “Establishing the Theoretical and Empirical Basis of the Research” was presented by Sr. John Mary Formillos an RMC/TRB member. She presented an overview of the two-step process which aims to establish both the theoretical and empirical basis for the objectives formulated and the variables investigated. Then Dr. Fidelita Dico of DOH-EVCHD discussed the sub-module 4 bearing the title “Epidemiologic and Experimental Studies”. After lunch, RUC Chair Dr. Sherrie Ann Labid shared about the different “Sampling Designs” which is sub-module 5. She presented the applications of sampling in health research. A large part of the module was spent in describing the steps in implementing the different probability sampling designs. At 2:30 again in the afternoon, another Question and Answer session was conducted and another workshop as well.
And on the third day, it started exactly the same as the previous ones. Then it progressed on to Mr. Leonid Arado of PIT presenting the sub-module on “Sample Size Determination” which was about myths and misinformation. He presented the actual factors to be considered when computing for the sample size of surveys where subjects were selected using a probability sampling design. The next topic, “Qualitative Research” was discussed by Prof. Esther Bañar of Eastern Samar State University. And to top off the day, Prof. Ferdinand Abocejo comprehensively discussed about “Data Collection” and later on, “Data Analysis”.
And finally, the fourth and final day of the training was opened with a prayer and a setting of expectation. As the event progressed brilliantly, Dr. Sarah Delorino, Co-Chair of EVHRDC ERC shared about the sub-module 10 which was “Ethics on Health Research. Then Dr. Lucia Dauz tackled sub-module 11 entitled “Administrative Aspects of Research”. She talked about the steps and activities involved in addressing both administrative aspects of the research process. And finally, for the last sub-module “Writing the Research Proposal”, we had Ms. Josephine Hipe, Chair of EVRHDC SOME to discuss said topic. Q and A with a workshop followed the discussions.
After the training ended, Ms. Anicia P. Catameo, the OIC of Institution Development from PCHRD delivered a message purposely to inspire and further motivate researchers to do better in the future. Then Ms. Jean Gay O. Ragub, EVHRDC Coordinator awarded certificates to the magnificent resource speakers. And finally, DOST 8 Regional Director and the EVHRDC Execom Co-Chair, Engr. Ernesto M. Granada, delivered a closing message which acknowledged the efforts of the trainers and the enthusiasm of the participants.
